Cowboys and Samurai: Myths and Realities

Myths exist in every society. They can be used for positive purposes, such as solidifying national identity, ensuring political stability and promoting national pride. On the other hand, they can be used for nefarious purposes, such as justifying expansionism at the expense of other nations. When we examine the myths surrounding the cowboys and the samurai, we learn how the myths originated and how they evolved over the years. Comparing the myths with realities, we learn about the condition...